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STINT Applicants

STINT is an acronym for “Short Term INTernational” Assignment. A STINT will typically last 9-12 months, starting late August or early September. There is an option of continuing on your assignment for up to one additional year.

Qualifications

Because AIA is a faith-based organization, potential staff members must meet unique qualifications. Learn more here.

Application Deadline

The STINT application deadline is March 1st. This is when we must have a completed application. A completed application includes a submitted online application and all reference forms completed. This could take numerous weeks to accomplish. We recommend you start the process well before the deadline.

All STINT team departure dates are typically around the end of August or early September. Depending on your international location, departure could be earlier or later than that.

Applying

Read all the information on this page then go to the Application Details tab at the top for information on how to apply.

Receiving International Acceptance

Our desire is to complete the whole application process as quickly as possible. It may take a couple weeks for us to process your full application. Once processed, we will contact you by phone and email with our acceptance decision.

Placement Decisions

Your international placement will be determined in conjunction with your initial placement request, and AIA and Cru’s international leadership. Your specific placement may or may not be confirmed at the time of your international acceptance. Because of the nature of potential international instability and circumstances, your initially given placement location may change.

We are currently seeking to send STINT teams to Puerto Rico, East Asia and South Africa.

Ministry Partner Development (MPD)

Everyone serving a STINT is required to raise the necessary funds to serve internationally. Your support goals will be based on your specific placement. We’ll provide MPD materials, training and a personal MPD coach to help you in this process.

Debt Limits

If you have personal or school loan debt, your debt load may impact your ability to STINT with AIA.

A STINT salary does allows you to use a portion of your income to pay off loans. Salary ranges are modest. If you have a large debt load including school loans, car payment, credit card debt etc. you may not be able to live successfully on a STINT salary.

You may consider deferment on student loans until after your STINT or pay interest only so that the debt is not higher at the end of your STINT. It is your responsibility to contact your loan administrator for any requests you may have regarding these options.

Your parents may consider helping with debt payment during the STINT year.

If your debt load is such that it would prevent you from coming on staff (typically over $30,000+ for singles) you will only be allowed to STINT for one year. A 2nd year STINT is an exception. If you plan to come on staff, your debt limit must be below the Cru maximum allowed.

If you are unsure about your debt, please contact Pat Lower at the beginning of the application process. She can help you assess your situation and give you potential solutions. You must have your loan balances and interest rates for a calculation when you contact her

Contact Us

For additional information on STINT, email the STINT Department, We will be glad to answer and further questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the questions we’re asked most often. Keep in mind that because of varying placement locations, no single answer speaks to all situations.

I’m married. Does my spouse also need to fill out an application?

Yes. Because we consider a husband and wife to be a team, couples must be in agreement as to their leading to Athletes in Action. Both must apply and be accepted for STINT.

How long will the application process take?

Expect the application process to take about six weeks from the time we receive your completed application until you receive your final decision.

How do I know if God wants me to go on STINT?

This is the hardest question to answer. We believe God speaks in many ways: through the Bible (in verses like Genesis 12:1-6, Revelation 7:9 and Acts 1:8), through our friends and family, through desires to know other cultures and languages, through convictions to invest our lives in eternal things and through desires to answer the call for spiritual laborers (Matthew 9:36-38). You may have been on a summer mission project in the country where you desire to STINT and developed a heart for that nation.

STINTERs have seen God use this experience to expand His Kingdom, challenge and develop them and to allow them to learn ministry skills that are relevant even after their STINT ends.

How will my parents respond when I tell them I want to go on STINT?

Their reaction may range from excitement, worry, nervousness, surprise or even opposition. Maybe they were expecting you to go straight intograd school or find a job. Especially at first, there may be some tension and/or anxiety. That’s okay, but it’s important to continue communicating with them and to be understanding about their concerns. Realize that God can work in this situation. Even Christian parents often need time to adjust to the idea of their son or daughter moving to a foreign country for a year. But, we’re always surprised and encouraged by how many parents (even non-Christians) end up becoming enthusiastic and supportive of their child’s decision to go on STINT.

What will be my ministry focus during STINT?

Your target audience will be athletes and others influenced by sport. The mission of AIA is to see a Christ-follower on every team, in every sport, in every nation.

What will I do on a daily basis?

Your time will be divided between sharing your faith, developing relationships with national athletes and meeting with them one-on-one for spiritual training, special outreach events, large group meetings, team Bible studies and meetings, language classes and administrative work (like writing your newsletters, preparing materials and making phone calls).

How do I know what to do?

The one-week STINT briefing (held in Chicago in mid-August just prior to departure) is incredibly helpful. The AIA staff members in country will train you, and you’ll receive training visits and/or phone calls from AIA staff members in the U.S.

Where will I live on STINT?

You’ll live in an apartment on or near the campus of sports universities and room with your teammates. You can rent furnished or unfurnished apartments.

How do you pay for STINT?

You’ll be responsible for developing a team of ministry partners — people who pray for you and contribute financially to cover the cost of your living expenses. To develop this team you’ll contact friends, family and churches through letters, phone calls and personal appointments. You’ll have the privilege of telling them about your needs and the chance to join your team through giving and prayer. Many people consider it a blessing to be able to give, and they contribute on a monthly basis or with a one-time gift. It generally takes anywhere from two to four months to raise $2,000-3,000 in monthly funding and over $5,000 for one-time expenses (amounts vary according to cost of living in each city). After being accepted for STINT, you’ll receive training to help develop your team.

Can I continue to compete in my sport or continue to work out?

In most cases there are opportunities to continue competing in your sport during your STINT. Often STINTers compete on club teams in the country where they’re serving. You’ll have opportunities to keep working out.

Can I go home for for holidays or special events (weddings, funerals, etc.)?

STINTers are expected to stay in country throughout the STINT year and will not return home until their determined return date.

Family visits: There are specific times during the year when your family could visit. These pre-determined times will be decided on by your team leaders and in-country leadership.

Holidays: For many STINTers, celebrating the holidays with their team and other missionaries in their country is a highlight of the year.

Weddings and Funerals: You may be allowed to return home for a wedding or a funeral of an immediate family member. If the person is not an immediate family member, the decision to allow a STINT team member to return to the USA is determined on a case by case basis.

Please be aware, if you have made commitments before you apply for STINT, your responsibility to your STINT team and AIA’s mission will take first priority.

What about the language?

Many individuals you’ll work with speak English, but some of your ministry will take place in the native language. You’ll study the language in some capacity while on STINT (in classes and/or with a private tutor). Typically STINTers see a lot of progress in their language ability, but it’s always challenging.

What do I do if I get sick overseas?

You’ll bring your own medicines and health books, although a western doctor is available in most ministry locations. In case of extreme circumstances, all STINTers have medical evacuation insurance that provides the means to be flown to the nearest western medical facility within hours of a request.

How will I connect with my team?

You might join a team that already exists in the country where you’re serving. Or you may be a part of a new team that forms to pioneer a new campus or help develop new ministries.

Our mission is to build spiritual movements everywhere through the platform of sports so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus.